Left to right: National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet, Elizabeth Ryan, Phil Ryan, and Smithsonian Institution Secretary David J. Skorton attend the “Face Forward Artist Party” at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery on Saturday, November 10, 2018, in Washington. (Paul Morigi/AP Images for National Portrait Gallery).

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery tells the multifaceted story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped American culture. On Saturday, Nov. 10, more than 500 special guests gathered at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in the theme of “creative dress” for the museum’s “Face Forward → Artist Party”.

The occasion celebrated the Portrait Gallery’s 50 years and the many artists who have contributed to the latest chapter of portraiture in America. The evening soirée was hosted by Kim Sajet (Director) with the exhibition leadership committee Michael and Catherine Podell, Glen and Sakie Fukushima, John Daniel Reaves and Wendy Wick Reaves, Elle G. Miles and Neil R. Green, and Walter Moore and Patricia Quealy Moore.

Left to right, Curator Dorothy Moss, artist Kadir Nelson, Jungmiwha Bullock and Kate Capshaw attend the “Face Forward Artist Party” at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery on Saturday, November 10, 2018, in Washington. (Paul Morigi/AP Images for National Portrait Gallery).

Artist Kumi Yamashita poses for a photo with her artworks at the “Face Forward Artist Party” at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery on Saturday, November 10, 2018, in Washington. (Paul Morigi/AP Images for National Portrait Gallery)Left to right; artist Deborah Kass, artist Hung Liu, curator Brandon Brame Fortune, curator Dorothy Moss, and artist Chuck Close attend the “Face Forward Artist Party” at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery on Saturday, November 10, 2018, in Washington. (Paul Morigi/AP Images for National Portrait Gallery)